You first visit is usually a two part exam. First, you will have a thorough restorative examination with Dr. Schellentrager. A restorative exam is done for each tooth and we document what treatment has already been done, and what treatment will need to be done. You will be given a treatment plan for any restorative work that you will need along with an estimate of costs and priorities.

After you have seen Dr. Schellentrager, you will then proceed to see our hygienist, Teresa Levicki, RDH. Your first visit with the hygienist begins with a thorough periodontal exam. A periodontal examination and probing are used to assess the health of your gums and teeth. The hygienist will use a periodontal probe,  this is a tiny millimeter ruler with a blunt tip. Your hygienist slides the probe between the tooth and gums at various places around each tooth. Healthy gums cling tightly to the tooth. The pockets in healthy gums are only 1 to 3 millimeters deep. Pockets that are deeper than normal indicate gum disease. This may be either gingivitis (the early stage) or periodontitis (more advanced disease). Diseased gums tend to swell and detach from the tooth. Pockets become deeper. In advanced forms of periodontitis, the pocket can be more than 10 millimeters deep. The probe measuring the pocket may reach all the way to the tip of the tooth's root. If a pocket is this deep, it means that much of the soft tissue and bone anchoring the tooth in place has been lost. The hygienist will then discuss your treatment options at that time.

If your periodontal exam reveals healthy pocket levels, the hygienist will proceed with the standard prophylaxis and put you on a normal hygiene recare schedule.

Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition.  Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.

There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue.  Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.

What may cause bad breath?

• Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
• Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc.  Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
• Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
• Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
• Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – May also contribute to bad breath.
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
• Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.
• Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
• Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
• Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.

Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath.  Also, review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with your dentist.

What can I do to prevent bad breath?

• Practice good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush.  Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline.  Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas.  Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months.  If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
• See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year.  If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.
• Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.
• Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
• Use mouthwash/rinses – Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor.  Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause the problem.

In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath.  If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.

Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums.  The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay.  Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar).  If plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.

Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental aids.

Toothbrushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

• Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
• Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
• Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended.  They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently.  Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush.  If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

The standard of care in our office is a regular exam and x-rays with Dr. Schellentrager every 12-18 months and a periodontal exam with the hygienist every 12-18 months. Standard recare for hygiene (cleaning) is recommended twice a year, unless the hygienist has receommended more frequent visits. 

*If you have insurance, your insurance may require you to have an exam at least every 12 months to mantain your benefit levels. Please check your benefits booklet to see if you have this type of plan or see your benefits admnistrator in your HR Department.

Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.  At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities.  Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health.  These include:

• Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your overall health and also your dental health.
• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.  X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Periodontal evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
• Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface.  Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.  The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums.  This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
• Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during toothbrushing and scaling.
• Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
• Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.

As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth.  We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to do so will require regular check-ups and cleanings.

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it!  Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.  Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms.  Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums.  The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone.  Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.

• Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.

• Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives.  Some medications have side affects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.

• Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.

• Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.

• Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis.  Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.

• Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.

• Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.

• New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.

• Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).

• Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.

• Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.

• Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Periodontal Therapy (Quad Scaling and Root planing)

Post-Operative Care

The first five weeks following your treatment are critical. Healing gum tissue is susceptible to bacterial (germ) growth. Your teeth need to be cleaned thoroughly after each meal, to keep the bacteria under control. If plaque bacteria are present for 24 hours, it forms a more tissue destructive bacteria family. Your homecare is critical to the success of periodontal treatment.

Be careful eating until the anesthetic wears off

You may rinse your mouth with warm salt water any time

You may take ibuprofen, if you are not allergic, for any tenderness that may follow your treatment

Your teeth may be sensitive to hot and/or cold

Over time sensitivity will usually improve, to reduce this, use desensitizing toothpaste such as ProDenRx (1.1% fluoride) or Sensodyne

Fluoride rinses are also beneficial in reducing sensitivity

If you have been prescribed Peridex (Chlorhexidine), take as directed

Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing is a non-surgical procedure. Don't let it scare you. It is, however, necessary to follow specific instructions to make it more comfortable afterwards. If you experience problems despite following the instructions, please call right away.

Discomfort?  Some discomfort can be expected when the anesthesia wears off, but not as much as you might expect.  Usually discomfort can occur if you brush or during more vigorous chewing.  Do not eat chewy foods, such as meats. You can go back to work immediately afterwards with little problem, unless you have significant bleeding (if your gums were severely inflamed and swollen).

Care of your mouth afterwards: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, clean the outer surfaces of each tooth. Angle the brush along the gum line at a 45° angle. Gently brush in a circular motion. Brush the inside surface of each tooth, where plaque may accumulate most, and the outside surfaces using the circular motion. Use the tip of the brush to clean behind each front tooth, both top and bottom. Then brush the chewing surface of each tooth, gently brushing back and forth.

Floss after lunch and before bed using about 18” of floss, leaving an inch or two to work with. Gently follow the curves of your teeth. Be sure to clean beneath the gum line, but avoid snapping the floss on the gums.

Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth.  Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.  The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums.  Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar).  This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone.  This is the beginning of periodontal disease.

How to floss properly:

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Daily flossing will help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile for life!

If you’re feeling somewhat self-conscious about your teeth, or just want to improve your smile, cosmetic dental treatments may be the answer to a more beautiful, confident smile.

Cosmetic dentistry has become very popular in the last several years, not only due to the many advances in cosmetic dental procedures and materials available today, but also because patients are becoming more and more focused on improving their overall health.  This includes dental prevention and having a healthier, whiter, more radiant smile.

There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to improve your teeth and enhance your smile.  Depending on your particular needs, cosmetic dental treatments can change your smile dramatically, from restoring a single tooth to having a full mouth make-over.  Ask your dentist how you can improve the health and beauty of your smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Procedures:

Teeth Whitening: Bleaching lightens teeth that have been stained or discolored by age, food, drink, and smoking.  Teeth darkened as a result of injury or taking certain medications can also be bleached, but the effectiveness depends on the degree of staining present.

Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings: Also known as “bonding”, composite fillings are now widely used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings to repair teeth with cavities, and also to replace old defective fillings.  Tooth-colored fillings are also used to repair chipped, broken, or discolored teeth.  This type of filling is also very useful to fill in gaps and to protect sensitive, exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession.

Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin custom-made, tooth-colored shells that are bonded onto the fronts of teeth to create a beautiful individual smile.  They can help restore or camouflage damaged, discolored, poorly shaped, or misaligned teeth.  Unlike crowns, veneers require minimal tooth structure to be removed from the surface of the tooth.

Porcelain Crowns (caps): A crown is a tooth-colored, custom-made covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size.  Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.  They are ideal for teeth that have large, fractured or broken fillings and also for those that are badly decayed.

Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to replace one or more missing teeth.  Porcelain crowns, bridges, and dentures can be made specifically to fit and attach to implants, giving a patient a strong, stable, and durable solution to removable dental appliances.

Orthodontics: Less visible and more effective brackets and wires are making straightening teeth with orthodontics much more appealing to adult patients.  Also, in some cases, teeth may be straightened with custom-made, clear, removable aligners that require no braces.

Thanks to the advances in modern dentistry, cosmetic treatments can make a difference in making your smile shine!

Porcelain veneers are very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are individually crafted to cover the fronts of teeth.  They are very durable and will not stain, making them a very popular solution for those seeking to restore or enhance the beauty of their smile.

Veneers may be used to restore or correct the following dental conditions:

• Severely discolored or stained teeth
• Unwanted or uneven spaces
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Slight tooth crowding
• Misshapen teeth
• Teeth that are too small or large

Getting veneers usually requires two visits.  Veneers are created from an impression (mold) of your teeth that is then sent to a professional dental laboratory where each veneer is custom-made (for shape and color) for your individual smile.

With little or no anesthesia, teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the front surface of the teeth to allow for the small thickness of veneers.  The veneers are carefully fitted and bonded onto the tooth surface with special bonding cements and occasionally a specialized light may be used to harden and set the bond.

Veneers are an excellent dental treatment that can dramatically improve your teeth and give you a natural, beautiful smile.

Since teeth whitening has now become the number one aesthetic concern of many patients, there are many products and methods available to achieve a brighter smile.

Professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel, and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.  Over-the-counter products are also available, but they are much less effective than professional treatments and may not be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, eventually revealing a darker or yellow shade.  The color of our teeth also comes from the inside of the tooth, which may become darker over time.  Smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and wine may also contribute to tooth discoloration, making our teeth yellow and dull.  Sometimes, teeth can become discolored from taking certain medications as a child, such as tetracycline.  Excessive fluoridation (fluorosis) during tooth development can also cause teeth to become discolored.

It’s important to have your teeth evaluated by your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate for bleaching.  Occasionally, tetracycline and fluorosis stains are difficult to bleach and your dentist may offer other options, such as veneers or crowns to cover up such stains.  Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is also important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. before bleaching begins.  Once the bleaching is done, your dentist can match the new restorations to the shade of the newly whitened teeth.

Since teeth whitening is not permanent, a touch-up may be needed every several years to keep your smile looking bright.

The most widely used professional teeth whitening systems:

Home teeth whitening systems: At-home products usually come in a gel form that is placed in a custom-fitted mouthguard (tray), created from a mold of your teeth.  The trays are worn either twice a day for approximately 30 minutes, or overnight while you sleep.  It usually takes several weeks to achieve the desired results depending on the degree of staining and the desired level of whitening.

In office teeth whitening: This treatment is done in the dental office and you will see results immediately.  It may require more than one visit, with each visit lasting 30 to 60 minutes.  While your gums are protected, a bleaching solution is applied to the teeth.  A special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent while the teeth are whitened.

Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened.  This sensation is temporary and subsides shortly after you complete the bleaching process, usually within a few days to one week.

When paying by cash or check in full on the day of service, we also offer a 5% discount for non-insured patients.

For patients that need extensive work, we offer financing through Care Credit. Click on the button below for more information.

If you require other payment options please speak to Naomi, the office manager, about alternative payment arrangements.

We strive to work with you to achieve mutual goals and are always here to help figure out the best plan for your dental needs within your budget.

We always encourage our patients to be as informed as possible about their dental benefits. When you receive a treatment plan from our office, we encourage you to call your insurance with the codes given to get specific coverage amounts before proceeding with treatment. We can also submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance, but this usually takes 30 business days to receive back, which is why we encourage all patients to call and speak with a live representative at their dental insurance plan. As always, write down the date, time, and name of the person you speak to for future reference.

Whitening Instructions

q       Brush teeth prior to whitening to ensure that they are plaque free

q       For DayWhite or NiteWhite, twist off cap and replace with mixing tip/ Remove green cap from mixing tip. (This mixing tip should stay of for the entire use of the syringe.) For Opalescence, just twist off the cap.

q       Fill each tooth space of tray with a teardrop size of material towards the cheek side of the tray.

q       Re-cap the syringe

q       Insert the tray in mouth and wipe off any excess whitening agent that may spill out with a wet toothbrush or damp cloth. This may also mean you have overfilled the tray.

q       After one hour (or 30 minutes if using a 35% or 38% bleach), remove the tray and brush teeth with toothpaste to remove all excess bleach, clean outside and inside of tray as well.

q       Your teeth will be very dehydrated at first, so do not eat or drink anything with color for about one hour (i.e. coffee, red wine, tea, marinara sauce) as it may result in staining the teeth.

q       For the first week of whitening, keep your tray in for one hour everyday. If using a high bleach concentration, i.e. 35% or 38%, only leave on for a maximum of 30 minutes per day. For the second week, use it every other day or until you feel that your teeth have lightened to your desired shade. Excessive whitening may cause sensitivity. If sensitivity occurs, suspend whitening for about a week. You may also purchase high fluoride toothpaste at our office that will help desensitize the teeth and allow you to continue whitening.

For any further questions, please call the office at (831) 475-2313

Post op Instructions for cosmetic restorations (crowns and fillings)

Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call us so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

It's normal to experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity. Removing tooth structure and placement of new materials may result in a period of adjustment. Your gums may also be sore for several days. Rinse three times a day with warm salt water (1 tsp. of salt in a cup of warm water, rinse-swish-spit) to reduce pain and swelling. Mild pain medication should ease your discomfort during the adjustment period.

Don't be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You'll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivary flow. Your brain may respond to the new size and shape of your teeth by increasing salivary flow. This should subside to normal within a week or so.

Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your dental work. Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine. Daily brushing and flossing is a must. Regular cleaning appointments in our office are also critically important. We'll use the appropriate cleaning abrasives and techniques for your specific cosmetic work.

It's important to change habits to protect your new teeth. Any food that could chip, crack, or damage your natural teeth can do the same to your new cosmetic restorations. Avoid sticky candies, any unusually hard foods or substances (such as peanut brittle, fingernails, pencils or ice). Avoid or minimize your use of foods that stain, such as tea, coffee, red wine and berries. Smoking will quickly yellow your teeth.

Let us know if you grind your teeth at night or engage in sports so we can make you a custom mouthguard. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, we always welcome your questions.

After each appointment when anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.

Root Canal Treatment Postoperative Instructions

Your root canal treatment is complete. It is normal for your tooth to be sore for 2-3 days after treatment.  Soreness may actually increase on the second day. Tenderness to biting may persist for up to two weeks following treatment but will gradually get better over time.

Generally, ibuprofen (i.e. Advil, Motrin, or generic ibuprofen) is all that is needed for post-operative soreness. We strongly recommend that you take 600mg (three over-the-counter 200mg tablets) of ibuprofen every six hours for two days (unless you have an allergy or sensitivity to ibuprofen, or have been advised not to use it). At this dosage ibuprofen has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a good idea to take the ibuprofen even if the tooth is not sore to help prevent soreness in the next few days.

If the ibuprofen alone does not provide adequate pain relief, you may take up to 1000mg of acetaminophen (i.e. three regular Tylenol tablets or two extra-strength Tylenol tablets) every six hours in between your doses of ibuprofen. If more severe discomfort is anticipated we will prescribe a narcotic (i.e. hydrocodone or oxycodone) that can be used in place of the Tylenol in between doses of ibuprofen.

If an antibiotic is prescribed take all of the pills as instructed, unless you experience complications (i.e. rash, diarrhea, etc.).

Your tooth only has a temporary filling at this time.  It is critical that you make an appointment for placement of the final restoration as soon as possible. Your dentist will place a crown, onlay, or filling to seal the root canal filing and help protect the tooth from fracture. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the restoration is placed.

If you experience swelling or pain (which is not comfortably controlled by the medications prescribed) or there are complications with your medicines, please call the office at 831 475-2313. If after hours, please still leave a message and then call the after hours emergency line at 831 688-0908.

Although root canal treatment is highly successful, about 5-15% of teeth may not heal and may have persistent x-ray evidence of disease with or without symptoms.  

After Care for Tooth Extraction:

After an extraction, it's important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That's why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after the extraction. If bleeding or oozing continues after you remove the gauze pad, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another thirty minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the blood clot forms it is important to protect it especially for the next 24 hours. So Don't: smoke, suck through a straw, rinse your mouth vigorously, or clean the teeth next to the extraction site.

These activities will dislodge the clot and slow down healing. Limit yourself to calm activities for the first 24 hours, this keeps your blood pressure lower, reduces bleeding and helps the healing process.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and have some swelling. You can use an ice bag to keep this to a minimum. The swelling usually starts to go down after 48 hours.

Use pain medication only as directed. Call the office if it doesn't seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat only soft nutritious foods on the day of the extraction. Don't use alcoholic beverages and avoid hot and spicy foods. You can begin eating normally the next day or as soon as it is comfortable.

Gently rinse your mouth with salt water three times a day beginning the day after the extraction (a tsp. of salt in a cup of warm water, rinse-swish-spit). Also, rinse gently after meals, it helps keep food out of the extraction site. It is very important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours, this should include brushing your teeth and tongue and flossing at least once a day. This speeds healing and helps keep your breath and mouth fresh.

Call us right away if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling after two or three days, or a reaction to the medication. After a few days you will be feeling fine and can resume your normal activities.

CARE OF YOUR PORCELAIN VENEERS

Congratulations!  You have just completed one of the most advanced techniques in cosmetic dentistry.   The beauty and natural luster of your new porcelain veneers will look, last and feel like your own teeth for many years to come.  It is our pleasure to be able to make you look your best.

HOW TO KEEP THEM DAZZLING?  JUST FOLLOW THE SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW:

·        For the first day or two, your teeth may feel a little thicker.  That’s normal.  In some cases, we replaced the outer surface that has been slowly worn away by years of regular use.  In other cases, we added a masking and coloring agent to change the base color of the teeth.  So, it feels like a tremendous amount of material; in fact, it is less than 1/8 inch.  Within two to three days your teeth will feel normal.

·        The first two hours after placing the porcelain veneers are the most critical.  Avoid chewing medium to hard foods and drinking alcohol or acidic liquids (sodas, citrus juices, etc.).  Start with a soft diet (yogurt, pastas, and soups) - no crunchy or chewy foods.  Gradually, over three to four days, begin to use these teeth more while biting and chewing.  This will minimize any excessive stresses that could potentially chip or fracture the veneers. 

·        After the first few days, go ahead and chew normally on your veneers, while still carefully avoiding extremely hard materials (ice, hard candy, corn kernels, apples, carrots, and so on).  Bad habits also are taboo:  clenching, grinding, biting on pens, fingernails, or other objects.  If the teeth or veneers feel high or the edges feel sharp after this initial period, they may need adjusting.  Please call us for an appointment. 

·        Thorough brushing and flossing around veneered teeth is essential.  Concentrate on getting the bristles of the toothbrush below the gumline.  Continue to use the toothpaste that has been specifically recommended to you.  A Rota-dent toothbrush should be used only as instructed.

·        Periodic professional cleanings are essential to evaluate the status of the veneers, the health of the gums, and the well-being of the entire mouth.  It is important to maintain the three-month re-care schedule that we have recommended for you.

REMEMBER, YOUR SMILE IS ONE OF YOUR BEST ASSETS.

NOW GO AHEAD AND USE IT!